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The Tennessee Valley is bracing for an intense winter storm expected to arrive this weekend. As meteorologists across the country carefully monitor weather patterns, there is growing concern regarding the extent of the storm’s impact on this region notorious for milder winters.
This storm, which has been forming over the Mexico/Texas border, is anticipated to sweep through Texas, Arkansas, and eventually make its way into the Tennessee Valley. AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines emphasizes the significance of this storm, particularly in areas unaccustomed to heavy snowfall. “In places that don’t get snow or ice very often, such as Austin, Dallas, Little Rock, and Nashville, it will be a big deal,” Kines said, highlighting the unusual nature of the event.
The National Weather Service has put the entire state of Tennessee under varying levels of winter storm warnings, effective from Wednesday. Multiple communities across Tennessee, including Memphis and Nashville, could witness snowfall accumulations ranging from four to eight inches. As temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s at night, residents are advised to prepare for potential hazardous travel conditions.
Western Tennessee and the Memphis area are projected to experience the onset of the storm Thursday night into early Friday morning. Residents in these western parts should be ready for a significant possibility of snow accumulation reaching up to six inches or more. The National Weather Service has warned of major disruptions due to fresh snowfall over the region.
In central parts of the state, including the Nashville area, snow accumulations have been forecasted to reach between four and seven inches. This prediction has considerably evolved over the past 24 hours as more precise data has become available. The heaviest snowfall in these parts is anticipated to occur during the daytime on Friday, tapering off towards Friday night. Meanwhile, certain areas may experience even higher accumulation levels under particular conditions.
As the storm advances eastward, cities like Knoxville are expected to start receiving significant snowfall by Friday afternoon. Predictions suggest that the snow will continue into Saturday, potentially leaving areas with accumulations ranging between three to nine inches. Residents of East Tennessee, particularly in higher elevations, should be especially prepared for freezing conditions with temperatures dipping into the teens.
A winter storm watch has been issued for the Tennessee Valley starting late Thursday, which is likely to be upgraded to a winter storm warning. The impending storm is expected to bring around 4-6 inches of snow to the region, with concerns over freezing rain and sleet in the southern viewing areas. WAFF meteorologist Brad Travis urges residents to finalize their winter weather plans as the storm’s impact is felt well into the weekend.
Click here to watch the latest weather updates on YouTube from WAFF 48.
Further warnings from national meteorologists signal a major winter weather event that could affect the Ohio and Tennessee valleys into the weekend. The impacts of this storm might extend beyond snow, with the potential for significant sleet and ice, particularly towards the south of the region.
Alongside snowfall, cold arctic air from the north is set to exacerbate the situation, with a significant drop in temperatures across the Central and Eastern U.S. AccuWeather forecasters predict that these arctic blasts will intensify the cold, possibly affecting energy demands and risking freeze-related damages through several states.
As Tennesseans brace for the upcoming storm, the importance of preparation and precaution cannot be overstated. Residents are urged to stay informed through trusted weather channels and make safety their top priority as the situation continues to develop.
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